Flood warnings over high tides threat to Welsh coast
Work has been done to strengthen sea defences ahead of the expected bad weather
Communities along the Welsh coast have been warned of the threat of more flooding as high tides and strong winds combine.
Conditions could be as bad as early January when sea defences were breached damaging homes and businesses, said Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
Some 39 flood warnings and 17 flood alerts were in place on Friday night.
Amber warnings - meaning 'be prepared' for flooding - have been issued for 15 counties around the coast on Saturday.
NRW said high tides and very strong winds would create a high risk of coastal flooding later on Friday and on Saturday.
Milford Haven, Aberystwyth, Holyhead and Llandudno are all expected to experience the high tides.
Arriva Trains Wales said flooding had blocked lines between Porth and Pontypridd. Replacement buses are in place until further notice.
Meanwhile, up to 600 students based on Aberystwyth promenade were told to leave their rooms before Friday evening.
After new year storms battered the town causing severe damage, students have been told not to return to the seafront accommodation until Monday.
"Our priority is the safety of our students and staff," said pro vice-chancellor Rebecca Davies.
"The forecasted high winds combined with the high tides are likely to make the seafront at Aberystwyth a very hazardous place this weekend and it is paramount for us that everyone living in residences on the seafront have alternative accommodation, and are out of harm's way," she said.
High winds, a high tide and a sea surge caused huge damage on 3 January Students have been offered alternative accommodation and meals at the university's Penglais campus or help with travel arrangements if they want to go home.
Ceredigion council has urged people living in seafront properties in Cardigan, Aberystwyth and Aberaeron to take care. The local authority said sandbags were being delivered on request.
The leisure centres in Cardigan and Aberystwyth will act as emergency evacuation support centres on Saturday if required.
A band of heavy rain is moving across Wales throughout Friday, prompting warnings of localised flooding.
Most of the Welsh coastline is likely to experience stormy conditions, but the worst affected areas are likely to be in the south and west where tidal surges and large waves could cause flooding and transport disruption.
Current forecasts show that the tides will peak on Saturday, both in the morning and evening.
Pembrokeshire council said it expects this weekend's severe weather and high tides to be similar to that seen just after new year.
It said people are "strongly advised" to keep away from coastal areas over the weekend.
High tides and strong winds will continue next week with Monday morning's high tide also likely to create a risk of flooding.
The 15 amber flood warns for Wales' coast on Saturday are part of a three-day flood risk forecast by the Environment Agency,
It said widespread heavy rain on Friday is likely to result in flooding from rivers with much of southern England and Wales at risk, particularly where rivers are already high from recent rain.
Aberystwyth was one of the towns hardest hit by heavy rain, strong winds, high tides and a sea surge that hit between 3 and 6 January.
A Grade II-listed shelter partly fell into a hole after its foundations were washed away as massive waves pounded the promenade.
Ceredigion council estimates the cost of repairing the promenade has topped £150,000 and fears the bill will increase if similar storms hit the town this weekend.
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